Media Studies

Introduction

Jobs in the media range from Film Production to Computer Games Designer, from Radio or TV Journalist to Online Journalist, from Production Runner to Scriptwriter and from Graphic Designer to Camera Operator and many more. There are a vast array of jobs and university courses where a basic grounding in Media Studies will stand students in good stead. Media Studies students tend to be bright, engaged, vibrant, creative individuals who want to study an academic and creative subject that opens up a world of possibilities.

Students develop wide ranging, transferable skills that will help with understanding and developing research skills, skills of textual analysis, creative and IT skills, teamwork skills and the ability to work to a deadline.

KS3

Media is not taught as a core subject from Year 7-9; however it will be a tool that factors into many of your sons’ lessons. In order to reflect the fast paced- changing world of communication around us, students will be expected to develop and make use of a variety of different ICT tools, from researching using the internet, creating short films, blogging and other interactive and creative ways of learning.

There is an opportunity for any students in KS3 or 4 to join Media club where they can take part in a variety of different projects from animations, photography, filming and journalism. St. Bons also take part in BBC School Report annually, where students make the news live on 21st March. To find out more, click here.

GCSE Media Studies

GCSE Media Studies is a dynamic, broad ranging subject that challenges students in terms of their understanding of research, planning, theoretical analysis and creativity but also is a thoroughly stimulating subject to teach and to study.

The media changes all the time and as a result, the subject never stands still – the digital revolution underpins areas of study we teach and as a result, students become familiar with industry standard software like Adobe Photoshop and are able to produce inspired, creative productions e.g. an advertising campaign for a new brand of fashion clothing. They will also begin to understand viral advertising, the ‘blogosphere’ environment and what Web 2.0 and ultimately Web 3.0 has and will mean for audiences and media consumption.

The subject has more or less equal weighting in terms of coursework (Controlled Assessment) and exam, 60% and 40% respectively. For the external assessment students can study a range of topics from Radio and TV Comedy and have the opportunity of becoming experts in their field with a case study of the Action Adventure film.

Studying specific topics allows students to become familiar with media industries in terms of production, distribution and exhibition and allows them to see exactly just how things ‘tick’ in the murky world of the media.

It is hoped, and indeed expected that GCSE Media Studies students will progress onto the challenging and diverse A Level course. This then allows them to see the vast array of careers and university courses available to students of the Media.

How you can support your son:

– Ensure that they complete all their homework on time
– Encourage them to proofread their work before handing it in
– Make sure that all assignments are fully referenced so any books/texts/websites are referred to at the end of an assignment
– Raise awareness of current affairs through discussion, watching the news etc.
– Make sure they are accessing I.C.T. at school or home and are managing their time

A Level Media Studies

A Level Media Studies is a two year course split into AS and A2 qualifications. At AS, students are introduced to a wide range of media forms from film, television and computer games to viral advertising, music industry websites, music videos, magazines and newspapers and how they communicate with audiences. A study of Web 2.0 and 3.0 and the ‘blogosphere’ environment will put students in touch with ever changing digital media.

Filmmaking is an integral part of Media Studies and students will learn at AS or A2 the mechanics of producing and editing their own short film and understanding industry standard software Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Coupled with this at A2 students’ creative skills will be complimented by a study of media industries making that essential connection between theory and practice.

Media and its many modes of communication play a fundamental role in shaping our understanding of the world around us. It is therefore extremely important to know about how it is constructed and by whom? For example, learning about the Leveson Inquiry that is uncovering serious, criminal activity involving the Press, Rupert Murdoch and one of the biggest Media Conglomerates in the world, the News Corporation (owners of 20th Century Fox Hollywood Film Studios, BSkyB, The Sun, the Times, Fox TV etc.). Also involved in this wide ranging investigation of the media are Politicians, The Police, ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair and the current Prime Minister David Cameron – just like the News of the World, other heads may still roll.

The subject has equal weighting in terms of coursework and exam, which means students have control over a big portion of their final grade. Studying specific topics allows students to become familiar with production, distribution and exhibition and enables students to understand and begin to access the fascinating world of the Media and all it encompasses.